We are missing the second spire of the Cathedral of St Bartholomew in Pilsen. That’s the message the CrossCafe café chain has sent out recently, together with the architect Jiří Boudník. On the 12th April, they opened an architecture competition for the image of the second spire. The competition meets the Competition code of the Czech Chamber of Architects.

According to its original plans, the cathedral was supposed to have two spires. These plans were abandoned later on and the southern spire has never been constructed. The present competition intends to generate ideas for the possible look of the second spire. Although there is neither the money nor the general readiness to support the project, it might become a concept for a future generation. The aim is to collect beautiful designs, draw attention to the church itself (as well as to the city) and break down the barriers people might have when thinking about things seemingly given and unchangeable. Thus it is not merely an attempt at gaining the best possible design of the second spire, if it should ever be constructed; the far more important thing is to show people they can change their way of thinking, they can imagine the unimaginable.

Young artists can apply with their designs by the end of this September. The winners will be announced in the middle of October and the public will be able to see the designs at a subsequent exhibition.
The jury shall involve leading experts, such as the internationally acclaimed Czech architect Eva Jiřičná, the architect Jiří Boudník, the architect and co-author of the TV series Šumná města (“Sparkling Cities”) David Vávra, as well as the author of the modern, and for many still controversial, fountains in the main Pilsen square Ondřej Císler.

More information at www.zijinak.cz
Competition code here.